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March 24, 2026
糙cāo(cao1)
The character 糙 (cāo) refers to something that is rough or coarse in texture. It is commonly used to describe materials, foods, or surfaces that are not smooth or refined. In culinary contexts, it can specifically refer to coarse rice or grains that have not been polished.
Strokes16Radical米Frequency#24836DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the preference for certain rice textures can reflect health trends; 糙米 (cāomǐ) is often considered healthier than polished rice due to its higher fiber content.
Memory Tip
Think of 糙 (cāo) as a rough texture. The radical 米 (rice) signifies rice, while the character's shape suggests grains that are uneven and coarse. Imagine a bowl of unrefined, textured rice – that's 糙!
Meanings of 糙
cāo(cao1)
1rough
2coarse (in texture)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 糙
糙Simplified
16Strokes
米Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#24836Frequency Rank
Podcast: 糙
Podcast: 糙
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AI Study Notes for 糙
Quick Contrast
粗 (cū) refers to something that is coarse or thick in a broader sense, while 糙 (cāo) specifically emphasizes roughness or unrefined texture.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 糙 (cāo) as a rough texture. The radical 米 (rice) signifies rice, while the character's shape suggests grains that are uneven and coarse. Imagine a bowl of unrefined, textured rice – that's 糙!
Usage Notes
糙 (cāo) is generally used in informal contexts and can describe both physical textures and metaphorical roughness. Be cautious not to confuse it with 光滑 (guānghuá), which means smooth. Common collocations include 糙米 (cāomǐ - coarse rice) and 糙汉 (cāohàn - a rough man).
HSK Study Tips
While 糙 (cāo) is not included in any HSK levels, it connects to vocabulary related to food and texture found in HSK 2 and 3. Students should focus on its usage in describing food items and physical properties.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the preference for certain rice textures can reflect health trends; 糙米 (cāomǐ) is often considered healthier than polished rice due to its higher fiber content.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 糙 (cāo) to describe something in a positive light, such as 'a rough diamond,' which would not be appropriate. It's better to use it for clearly rough or coarse items.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 糙
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Grammar Patterns of 糙
糙 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
My cuticles were split and ragged, and my nails unevenly bitten.
2
她在他粗糙的面颊上左右各吻了一下。
tā zài tā cū cāo de miàn jiá shàng zuǒ yòu gè wěn le yī xià。
She planted a kiss on each of his leathery cheeks.
3
在粗糙不平的水泥窗台上有一条细细的发光水印。
zài cū cāo bù píng de shuǐ ní chuāng tái shàng yǒu yī tiáo xì xì de fā guāng shuǐ yìn。
A thin, glistening thread of moisture ran along the rough concrete sill.
4
我的皮肤又硬又粗糙，而且还很痒。
wǒ de pí fū yòu yìng yòu cū cāo， ， ér qiě huán hěn。
My skin was hard and scaly and I itched.
5
有些地方很少有地图，而且通常绘制得都很粗糙。
yǒu xiē dì fāng hěn shǎo yǒu dì tú， ， ér qiě tōng cháng huì zhì dé dū hěn cū。
In some places maps are scarce, and are often crudely produced.
6
老园丁有一双粗糙的手.
lǎo yuán dīng yǒu yī shuāng cū cāo de shǒu.
The old gardener had horny hands.
7
糙米和其他谷物属非精制的碳水化合物。
cāo mǐ hé qí tā gǔ wù shǔ fēi jīng zhì de tàn shuǐ huà hé wù。
Unrefined carbohydrates include brown rice and other grains.
8
达菲粗糙的吉他演奏技巧远不够水平。
dá fēi cū cāo de jí tā yǎn zòu jì qiǎo yuǎn bù gòu shuǐ píng。
Duffy's primitive guitar playing is well below par.
9
晒后皮肤会变厚、变干、变粗糙。
shài hòu pí fū huì biàn hòu、 、 biàn、 gān 、 biàn。
Skin thickens, dries and coarsens after sun exposure.
10
最初粗糙地刻在墓碑上的骷髅与 交叉 的大腿骨图形,已为带翅膀的天使所代替.
zuì chū cū cāo dì kè zài mù bēi shàng de kū lóu yǔ jiāo chā de dà tuǐ gǔ, tú xíng , yǐ wéi dài chì bǎng de tiān shǐ.
The skull - and - crossbones crudely carved on the first tombstones was replaced by a winged cherub.
Cultural Notes for 糙
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the preference for certain rice textures can reflect health trends; 糙米 (cāomǐ) is often considered healthier than polished rice due to its higher fiber content.
Word Family of 糙
Words Containing This Character3
粗糙cūcāocrude
糙cāorough
糙米brown rice
Exercise 1 of 3
Compound Meaning
What does 粗糙 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 糙
糙米 (cāomǐ) is unpolished brown rice, while 白米 (báimǐ) is polished white rice, which has a smoother texture.
Yes, 糙 can describe a person's rough demeanor or appearance, but it's often used informally.
It can be negative when describing something undesirable, but it can also be neutral or positive in certain contexts, like health-related discussions.
